HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-30-19 Public Comment - J. Traver - HRDC Warming Center SiteFrom:Traver, Julie
To:Sarah Rosenberg; Agenda
Subject:Homeless shelter at 3025 Westridge Drive
Date:Wednesday, October 30, 2019 11:59:37 AM
I am writing this email to inform you of my concerns with the proposed warming center at
3025 Westridge Drive.
I understand and have compassion for a warming center for homeless people; however; thislocation is in poor judgment. The single-family neighborhood is home to many families with
children.
I am concerned that HRDC does not provide screening of the individuals using the facility.There are no background checks or prior history checks. Some of the homeless people have
mental health issues and it makes me nervous because often they do not take medications orsee counselors. I feel Bozeman lacks services for people with severe mental health issues.
Mental health illness is complex, unpredictable, and dangerous.
I feel the application should be approved by more than one person. As I understand it, MartinMatsen will make the final call without a city commissioner vote or public hearing. This feels
very undemocratic.
The shelter home is 287 feet from the Morning Star property. Morning walkers and bikers playbefore school. Also, the property borders the crosswalk. If there was a crisis with police
interaction in the morning with students trying to get to school, it would be extremely unsafe.
HRDC said they would transport all residents to and from the shelter. Bozeman police saidthey cannot force anyone to use their transportation. Strangers would be walking through the
neighborhood while children are playing in their yards. Again, extremely unsafe!
Questions about crime and police calls that occurred at the shelter last year were addressedwith HRDC. HRDC downplayed or dismissed these concerns.
Please consider the above concerns. I have compassion for homeless people during our cold
winter months, just not in a family neighborhood. Please consider the safety of Figginsneighborhood before you approve the HRDC Homeless Shelter at 3025 Westridge Drive.
Thank you
Julie Traver2802 Secor
Bozeman, MT 59715--
Julie Traver Sign Language Interpreter